+Sister Jeanne Marie Blacet, O.S.B.
September 28, 1913 - June 2, 2011

Sister Jeanne Marie Blacet, OSB, 97, a Benedictine Sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kans., died June 2, 2011. The vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, also in the monastery chapel.

Sister Jeanne Marie was born Sept. 28, 1913, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John and Lillian Streuber Blacet, the third child in a family of eight. She attended Cathedral School and Sacred Heart Convent High School in St. Joseph, Mo. She entered the Benedictine Sisters in 1932, made monastic profession in 1933, and celebrated her 75th anniversary in 2008. She received her B.A. in English with a history minor from Mount St. Scholastica College, Atchison, and a master's degree in education from St. Louis University. Between 1962 and 1982, her leadership helped the Catholic school system meet the demands of a changing culture, as she served the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas as supervisor and consultant in education and as superintendent of schools. Sister Jeanne Marie served her religious community as council member, scholastic director and novice director and, in retirement, she assisted in the business office and in the archives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Catherine (Mrs. L.G. Hatten), Margie (Mrs. Donald Stewart), Helen, and Jane; and her brother Jack. She is survived by her sister Elizabeth (Mrs. Clifford N. Kerns), St. Joseph, Mo., and by her brother, Msgr. William J. Blacet, Kansas City, Mo. Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison.

Let us remember her gratefully in our prayers.


S. Jeanne Marie's memorial card:

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Ps. 46:11

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, to John and Lillian Streuber Blacet, Sister Jeanne Marie was educated in St. Joseph, Mo. She entered the Mount community in 1932 and made monastic profession in 1933. She graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College in 1936 with a major in English and a minor in history, and earned the master’s degree in education from St. Louis University. Her versatility and openness are illustrated by her responsibilities. Over the years she was teacher, education superintendent for her monastic community and for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, novice and scholastic director, coordinator of food service, Donnelly College trustee, Benedictine College board member, community council member, personnel director, assistant in the business office and archives, master of counted cross-stitch and, with her sister, provider of countless cookies. Wherever she was, her first concern was people. Whatever she was doing, Sister Jeanne Marie was attentive and personal, able to deflect negativity while accomplishing the positive. She was a trusted elder and friend sought for her ideas and example. Anyone who heard her read at the liturgy will remember the voice that gave life to Scripture, particularly to dialogue passages. She was a happy blend of humility, humor, and prudence. Let us remember her in thankful prayer.

Reflection given at the Funeral Vigil for Sister Jeanne Marie Blacet, O.S.B.